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Her Majesty the Queen sailed along the River Thames on the Spirit of Chartwell during the 2012 Diamond Jubilee river pageant. Now this beautiful river cruise vessel is based in sunny Portugal and Saga guests can enjoy a springtime cruise through the Douro Valley on May 4, 2016.

The charming 15-cabin vessel, with its distinctive umber brown and cream livery in the style of a 1920s Pullman train, has been refurbished to a beautiful standard and furnished with antiques.

With it’s classic elegance and outside-facing cabins guests can expect unforgettable views as Spirit of Chartwell sails through the magnificent Douro Valley which is quilted with lush greenery and terraced vineyards.

The all-inclusive, four-night ‘Royal Douro Delights’ river cruise is available by booking online only and starts in Oporto.

Spirit of Chartwell sails to Régua, a small town surrounded by rolling hills, for a trip to magnificent Mateus Palace and Gardens, which is pictured on the label of the distinctive rosé wine bottle. Guests re-join the ship at Pinhao and later enjoy a meal at the Quinta da Avessada, a historic wine museum right in the heart of vineyards in Favaios village.

A visit to Lamego is also on the itinerary. This city is home to the hilltop sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, a baroque church and here guests can descend the magnificent tree-lined stairs which are adorned with traditional tile friezes.

The cruise continues to the bay of Porto Antigo en route to Oporto and here guests can visit the famous port wine cellars and pick up a bottle or two to take home at the end of this very special sailing.

Ends

To book please visit saga.co.uk/dourodelights

Four nights from £999 departing London Gatwick on May 4, 2016.

Price includes UK travel package, return flights and transfers, on board accommodation and meals with 12-hour free bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks, cocktail party, all on-board gratuities, five tours, porterage and cruise escort. Comprehensive insurance is a condition of booking.

Saga is a leading provider of products and services primarily tailored for customers over the age of 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has been carefully developed over the past 60 years to become one of the most recognised and trusted brands among UK consumers aged over 50. Saga is synonymous in the UK with the over 50s market and is recognised for its high quality products and services. These include cruises and holidays, home and motor insurance, savings and share dealing and the UK’s award winning Saga Magazine.